Rockstar celebrates hustle mentality in first global marketing platform since PepsiCo acquisition

Three short films depict various people on the daily grind, while PepsiCo is promoting an overhaul to the energy drink's visual identity and packaging. 

By Peter Adams • May 5, 2021

YouTube builds on CTV momentum with new commerce, content curation offerings

At its 10th NewFronts presentation, the video giant emphasized the larger role living room screens play in its strategy, including through direct response ads.

By Peter Adams • May 5, 2021

CTV ad spending leads growth in digital video, IAB finds

Marketers increased their spending on connected TV last year by 22%, more than any other category of digital video.

By Robert Williams • May 4, 2021

Amazon courts brand dollars as ad-supported OTT offerings hit 120M monthly viewers

As part of its NewFronts debut, the company talked up a streaming slate that includes IMDb TV, Twitch and live sports and has grown viewership nearly sixfold over the past year. 

By Peter Adams • May 4, 2021

AVODs double down on original programming, content studios at NewFronts

Ad-supported video on demand platforms including Fox's Tubi and Amazon's IMDb TV rolled out new offerings for viewers and advertisers.

By Chris Kelly • May 4, 2021

Charmin tests 'BRB Bot' for bathroom breaks on video calls

While P&G doesn't plan to release the AI-powered tool, it's likely to resonate with consumers who have spent hours on video calls due to the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • May 4, 2021

Bombay Sapphire leans into science with Bill Nye explainer videos

The gin brand is using science to target facts-minded millennials as part of its partnership with the iconic '90s TV personality. 

By Asa Hiken • May 4, 2021

Digital media's big show loses some glitz just as streaming explodes. Maybe that's not a bad thing

The NewFronts presentations are all-virtual for the second year, but some media buyers don't miss the often hectic in-person event and are excited about innovations in areas like e-commerce.

By Peter Adams • May 3, 2021

Let's be upfront: We can't go back to traditional TV buying

The upfronts need to adapt to help marketers stay relevant as consumers' idea of TV remains fluid, writes TVSquared President Jo Kinsella.

By Jo Kinsella • May 3, 2021

E.l.f. Cosmetics courts gamers with TikTok talent series

The deal with TikTok and Enthusiast Gaming reinforces E.l.f.'s commitment to empowering women in the historically male-dominated gaming world.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • April 29, 2021

Livestreaming popularity set to grow in 2021, Coresight Research forecasts

Already a billion-dollar industry in China, live e-commerce is a trend to watch in the U.S. this year as it offers a more immersive shopping experience.

By Maria Monteros • April 28, 2021

Taco Bell turns the moon into a billboard for its first global campaign

In the debut iteration of its broader "I See A Taco" push, the brand will give away tacos on a night when the moon looks like one.

By Chris Kelly • April 28, 2021

Oscar Mayer introduces extensive brand refresh with pop-art ads

The 138-year-old label's first major effort with agency Johannes Leonardo extends an experimental approach to media, including through five-second ads.

By Peter Adams • April 28, 2021

American Express touts card membership with 1st global campaign since 2018

The multichannel campaign includes QR codes to drive a direct response and automated content recognition tracking to personalize the experience.

By Robert Williams • April 27, 2021

Cadillac paves the way for its electric future at the Oscars

The brand's eighth appearance at the awards show kicked off a broader campaign that includes homepage takeovers, Twitter activations and more.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • April 27, 2021

Grey Goose plays on the senses to promote infused vodkas

The premium vodka brand debuted a one-minute film during the Oscars pre-show as part of its biggest product launch since its 1997 debut.

By Robert Williams • April 26, 2021

Subway serves up real plant sounds in original song for Earth Day

A tongue-in-cheek grime track about the benefits of veganism targets Gen Z through TikTok videos debuting on World Earth Day.

By Peter Adams • April 22, 2021

Branded content, influencer marketing make up biggest slice of digital ad budgets

The need for advertisers to quickly move up and down the purchase funnel is driving a shift in budget allocations, an Advertiser Perceptions survey found.

By Robert Williams • April 22, 2021

Extreme Reach expands ad platform with Adstream acquisition

Merging the companies will give brand marketers software tools to manage creative assets and distribute video ads on connected and linear TV.

By Robert Williams • April 21, 2021

Dos Equis' new brand direction offers a dose of post-pandemic optimism

The Heineken-owned brew delivers a fresh spot that shows people gussying up for their first nights out in a long time while introducing a new look and tagline.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • April 21, 2021

Simmons taps D'Amelio sisters for TikTok fans' bedroom makeovers

The 151-year-old mattress brand is teaming with two TikTok stars to reach Gen Zers who spend more time in bed working from home or viewing digital content.

By Robert Williams • April 20, 2021

Why brands like Neutrogena and Old Spice are rushing to build internal content studios

While people seek ad-free platforms like streaming services, brands angle to meet the appetite for programming — but they must avoid navel-gazing.

By Peter Adams • April 20, 2021

Avocados From Mexico dishes up personalized recipes for Cinco de Mayo

The multichannel campaign includes an in-store partnership with Bud Light and the Guac Style Analyzer, a personality test to match people to recipes.

By Robert Williams • April 19, 2021

Triller parent makes 2 acquisitions, names new CEO as content ambitions grow

Buying live sports and entertainment platform FITE TV follows several successful boxing matches on the Triller app.

By Peter Adams • April 15, 2021

Pepsi unveils branded reality dating show to tout new mango flavor

"Match Me If You Can" sets up reality TV stars from different shows and will be teased on MTV before heading to the network's YouTube channel and Pluto TV.

By Robert Williams • April 14, 2021